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Creamy Chicken Orzo with Spinach and Lemon

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 520
A flavorful and creamy one-pan dish combining tender chicken, orzo, fresh spinach, and zesty lemon for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Olive Oil

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)

Chicken

  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)

Salt and Black Pepper

  • to taste salt and black pepper

Shallot

  • 1 minced shallot

Garlic

  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)

Orzo

  • 1 cup orzo

Chicken Broth

  • 2 cups chicken broth

Heavy Cream

  • ½ cup heavy cream (or full-fat coconut milk for dairy-free)

Lemon Zest

  • Zest of 1 lemon lemon zest

Lemon Juice

  • 2-3 tablespoons lemon juice

Baby Spinach

  • 1 ½ cups chopped fresh baby spinach

Parmesan Cheese

  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Fresh Basil or Parsley

  • for garnish fresh basil or parsley

Lemon Wedges

  • for serving lemon wedges

Instructions 

  • Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet, season chicken, and sear until golden. Remove and set aside.
  • Add remaining olive oil and shallot to the skillet, cook until softened, then add garlic and cook briefly.
  • Stir in orzo, toast for 1-2 minutes, then add chicken broth, cream, salt, and pepper. Simmer covered for 10-12 minutes until orzo is tender.
  • Mix in lemon zest, lemon juice, spinach, and Parmesan. Return chicken to skillet, simmer uncovered for 2-3 minutes until spinach wilts. Rest for 2-3 minutes before serving, garnished with herbs and lemon wedges.

Notes

Adjust lemon juice and seasoning to taste for best flavor.
Calories: 520kcal
Cost: $15
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Chicken, lemon, orzo, Spinach